I DON'T CARE ABOUT DESIGN TODAY.......

It is with a very heavy heart that I share this news with you.

I know I have posted many stories about our [2] Old English Sheepdogs. I rescued them 8 years ago losing our 1st OES. I was cruising the internet and drinking wine.....husband out of town town......bad combo.

I have a theory that you don't go out looking at new cars and puppies because you will probably come home with one.

I had to put our Zipper down last night after another bout with bloat and other complications. He was in so much pain and we had tried everything. It was heartbreaking to see him like that and a kick in the gut to make the decision.

I did it because it was best for him....not necessarily for me:(

He was a crazy boy with tons of personality.....I am so happy to have had 8 years with him.

107 comments

I know how your heart has a huge hole in it right now. I have been there with pets so many times and at least you had dear Zipper in your life and you both were better for it. As my vet would tell me, you did the most humane gift you can give your dog and that is to not let him suffer anymore. Your Zipper can be with my dogs in the big playground in the sky and don't you wish we could hear their conversations about having a decorator as an owner? Hugs to you Sherry,Xoxox Nancy

I am so sorry for your loss. This is the worst day in a pet owner's life. I know how much you loved that baby of yours. Somehow, you will get through all of this. You were both lucky to have each other. Hang in there.

I am SO SO sorry for your loss! We love our pets like they are our children and they give so much love back to us (like children). I hope the hole in your heart heals fast. Just know that you did what was best for him even though it felt so difficult. He is still alive in your heart and always will be.

I am so sorry to hear about losing part of your family, Zipper. I know personally how much a pet can bring comfort and love. I lost my dear Abby (basset hound) in July after 10 years and I am sure she is meeting Zipper at the rainbow bridge.

I am so sorry to hear about losing part of your family, Zipper. I know personally how much a pet can bring comfort and love. I lost my dear Abby (basset hound) in July after 10 years and I am sure she is meeting Zipper at the rainbow bridge.

Sherry,I am so very sorry that you had to put down Zipper. It is never an easy decision but it is always a loving, kind decision to make when our fur babies are so ill.I hope it makes a little bit easier knowing there is someone in California thinking of you today,xoxo Kathysue

oh dear girl, I feel you. I'm so, so sorry. They are truly part of the family, and will always have a place in your heart. My vet likes to say that they don't necessarily care how long they are here, just how happy their life is. You gave him a good one.

I'm so sorry Sherry, your sweet Zipper sounds like a wonderful companion over the years. He was so lucky to find a home with you all those years ago, as your husband traveled and you internet surfed with vino in hand! :)

I am so so very sorry Sherry. This is a greater pain than some appreciate but as you said you did the best thing for him. Thank god for all the good memories and pictures you have of him and the years you got to enjoy each other. Hugs to you!

Sherry! You know I understand. Two weeks today😞😞😞I am still crying daily. So very sorry that you lost your sweet puppy. You are amazing and went above and beyond for Zipper. It was so selfless making that very brave decision . Biggest hugs from your long lost bloggy/ insta friend.

Awwwwwww.... just look at that face. I'm so sorry, I know you did what you felt was best. Bloat is horrible, and very painful. I know he'll come visit you in your dreams, and that he is in doggie heaven right now...

This just made me feel awful for all the times I yell at my dog for getting under my feet. When three kids came along my little buddy definitely took a little bit of the backseat but today in honor of Zipper I will let him cuddle up on the couch with me. So sorry- hope your pictures at least make you smile. The I'eat poop" one made me laugh out loud :)

My heart hurts for you so bad right now. I have a 14 y.o. pug who seems to be nearing the end. I literally prayed last night that I wouldn't have to make that decision. I'm so sorry you had to endure this. Sending you big hugs.

It's heart wrenching to lose such a pal, I'm so sorry. I always enjoyed when you shared stories of both of them, I remember one on the beach and they were doing tricks with their treats! :) Take care, sweet friend.

Oh Sherry, my heart is heavy for you. I lost my Murphy in September. Like you, Murphy was my companion, always there is his silly, sweet ways. A friend sent me the Rainbow Bridge poem, I love it! You find you miss the silliest things about them ... but Zipper will be in your heart and you in his forever. Big hugs to you. xo

So sorry about your pup. Sadly, the greater the love, the greater the pain and sense of loss. Pay attention to your dreams in the coming weeks; your Zippy may send you greeting from beyond the rainbow bridge.

I'm so sorry, Sherry. I am a crazy dog lady of three and can't imagine having to make such a tough decision. You gave your sweet pup 8 wonderful years. You fought to save him till the very end. Sending you a warm hug.

sherry...I am so sorry for your loss. I had to do just this to our beloved Maggie....she was 13 years old and a yorkie........ it was what was best for her, but it hurt none the less...... We now have two other dogs who we adore, but I think of my Maggie dog every day.......Zipper is no longer suffering.....you did the right thing for Zipper. Hugs for you!

I hardly know you, just through the lines of a blog, but my heart feels for your pain and loss. I could not envision my life without, as i call them, my 4 legged children. As you, I have rescued a few dogs, and a couple years ago, my Cali died in my arms. the memory of Cali is still so vivid that at times, I have very realistic flashback, a smell, color of a leaf, a moment in time, and I know she is somewhere. I believe in Karma and reincarnation. The memories of Zipper will always be in you heart, grieving is not letting go but accepting that Zipper is in his own world now. Cherish the memories, cry your heart out...this means that you are a loving person. Isn'it amazing that dogs bring out the best in us?

Sherry, I know I don't know you personally at all. But I can say that I know this feeling all to well. We had to put our sweet girl Roxy down on April 8 after a battle with cancer, also after 8 years with her. I still feel an ache all over my whole body when I think of her, just about everyday. I know that the only good thing to come of this is that he's no longer in pain. I know that the best place for our pets is with us, but it's not always possible. I know this sucks and I am truly very, very sorry.

Sherry,I am so very sorry for your loss of Zipper! He has the most adorable face and eyes. I'm so glad he was there for you and you were there for him. Our furry friends are just the best. So very sorry.

Sherry, I am so sad to read this. I know how much you love your dogs. Zipper isn't in pain now and for this you can feel relief, but your (and my) heart aches for our pets are truly family. I am so glad Patches is there to comfort you. You are a good mom!

Sherry, I'm so sorry for your loss. My eyes are leaking so uncontrollably for you that I can barely leave this comment. It's a good thing I barely know you or I would really be a wreck. I know you we're a great dog mom and he was so lucky to have you. I rarely leave a comment but I always look forward to reading your blog. Just love your brand of humor. Sending lots of love your way!

Sherry, through all the emotional tugs you'll experience in the days ahead feeling Zipper's void, may you find peace and comfort knowing he is not suffering anymore. Not an easy road and I know any one who has been down that road aches for you. Me included. Cyber hugs~Judy G.

oh sherry - i didnt know, i am so unbelievable sorry. mom told me and i had to run over to give my condolences. i fear there are no words for something like this (id be committed if it were me, so i hope you lean on us if we can be of any help) and I'll leave you with this:

"To call him a dog hardly seems to do him justice,though inasmuch as he had four legs, a tail, and barked,I admit he was, to all outward appearances. But to those whoknew him well, he was a perfect gentleman."

Sherry, Regularly you make me laugh and snicker at your witty posts; today, you brought tears to this dog lover's eyes. My heart aches for you at the loss of Zipper. Pups bring us so much joy that it is an unwritten rule that humans should insure they do not suffer. May your beloved Zipper be frolicking to his heart's content.

I was so sad to see this when you posted it on IG. This is the worst feeling. You pull out all the stops and checkbook hoping it will fix things and it just isn't to be. You know you've made the right decision for your pet and you feel guilty at the same time. You miss and want them back. It's just the worst. I'm so sorry and I'm glad to see all your fans pouring out the love. I hope it helps. My sincere condolences.

Awww lady, I've never had a pet but I can certainly imagine the pain of losing a member of the family. Tough choice but I'm sure that pain was unbearable for little Zipper. Kudos for doing what was best for him.

O, Sherry my heart is breaking with yours, pets are such a blessing and I'm so sorry for your loss. You have been so brave to make the best decision for your Zipper. My thoughts are with you in the days to come. On a side note I think your the only person who can make me cry and laugh all in the same post (that my just be my pmt) but I love the photo of Zipper looking all sheepish with the notice on his chest. Lots of cyber hugs to you and your family.

O, Sherry my heart is breaking with yours, pets are such a blessing and I'm so sorry for your loss. You have been so brave to make the best decision for your Zipper. My thoughts are with you in the days to come. On a side note I think your the only person who can make me cry and laugh all in the same post (that my just be my pmt) but I love the photo of Zipper looking all sheepish with the notice on his chest. Lots of cyber hugs to you and your family.

O, Sherry my heart is breaking with yours, pets are such a blessing and I'm so sorry for your loss. You have been so brave to make the best decision for your Zipper. My thoughts are with you in the days to come. On a side note I think your the only person who can make me cry and laugh all in the same post (that my just be my pmt) but I love the photo of Zipper looking all sheepish with the notice on his chest. Lots of cyber hugs to you and your family.

There's a lovely saying that I hope might bring you comfort..."It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them, and every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are." Blessings, Barbara of donothing_restafterward@aol.com

oh man i am so sorry. such a hard part of life. losing pets...good grief. it's the worst. what a sweet face he had. when i was a little girl i always wanted a sheepdog and to name it raisin. big hugs.xxoojenny

I just discovered your blog on the day you posted about Zipper. Your post was a beautiful tribute to him and made me cry my eyes out. I completely understand how difficult the loss can be as we had to make the same decision for our Maltese, Spencer, last January due to kidney failure and it was the most difficult thing I've ever had to do. Never have I had such a strong bond with a pet and although it's been nearly 9 months since he's been gone, not a day goes by that I don't think about him. You'll never forget him, but it will get easier with time. He obviously was very loved. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Crying as I leave condolences for you as I lost my beloved Lemon Monday evening to cancer without warning. The hole in our hearts and homes is gaping..maybe in time the hurt will heal and leave only a smile in our hearts. Thoughts with you and yours. Kathy B.

I've been so busy.....lots of traveling....just catching up. Your post reminds me to spend more time with my Panda and Mocha. They are 14 and 13, and I dread losing them. I'm so sorry about Zipper, Sherry. Really sorry for your loss. xoLoi

Sherry, I was catching up on the ORC and so very, very sad to read about yourboy. The hardest thingabout getting a dog is knowingthat this date on the calendarlooms out there ~ the dayyou must say good bye andlet them cross the RainbowBridge. It's the trade off forall of the joy that they bring.I have been there and I feelfor you.....